If you’re looking for an intelligent, affectionate, and active canine companion, look no further than the Shiba Inu Lab Mix. Whether you live in an apartment or a large house, the Lab Shiba Inu Mix can adapt to any size dwelling.
With a size that is similar to that of a Shiba Inu German Shepherd Mix, the Shiba Inu Mix with Lab can be challenging for first-time dog owners because they are quite active and athletic.
Before you go out and get a Shiba Inu Lab Mix, you’ll want to read our comprehensive guide first so you’ll know what to expect and how to prepare accordingly. We’ll discuss in detail their health issues, temperament, ideal living conditions, exercise and grooming requirements, dietary needs, and more! We’ve also provided a list of breeders you can reach out to if you’re still interested in getting one.
Table of Contents
Shiba Inu Lab Mix: Breed overview
| Other Names | Shiba Inu Lab Retriever Mix, Shiba Lab, Shiba Labrador, Shibador |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 30 – 50 pounds |
| Height | 13 – 23 inches |
| Coat Colors | Tan, Cream, White, Red, Black |
| Child Friendliness | Moderate |
| Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Moderate |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | High |
| Lifespan | 12 – 16 years |
| Puppy Costs | $1,200 – $2,000 |
What is a Shiba Inu Lab Mix?
A Shiba Inu Labrador Mix is a hybrid of the confident Shiba Inu and the sweet-natured Labrador Retriever. They are commonly called Shibalabs or Shibadors.
Lab Shiba Inu Mix: Parent breeds
As a designer breed, the Lab Shiba Inu Mix will either have the dominant characteristic of one parent or a good mixture of the two. To find out how well they turn out, it is useful to learn about the individual characteristics of each parent.
The Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s beloved dogs. They are known for being smart, alert, and loyal with a good dose of independence. They have a high prey drive and territorial instincts because they were bred to hunt and retrieve rabbits and game birds.
Shiba Inu is famed for its wolf-like appearance with small erect ears and triangular eyes. Shiba Inu enthusiasts prize them for their Urajiro white markings on their cheeks, side of muzzle, ears, jaw, neck, and chest.
Want more information? Check out White Shiba Inu (Complete Guide) to learn more about their Urajiro white markings.
Labrador Retrievers are intelligent and loyal as well, but they are more friendly and very eager to please their humans making them one of the most favored breeds around the world.
They show great athleticism and love being outdoors. Labradors have a wide skull, ears that hang down the sides of their heads, and gentle-looking eyes that give them a sad-puppy-face expression.
Shiba Inu history
The Shiba Inu is an ancient dog breed that has been around for thousands of years. They originated from the mountainous Chubu region of Japan and were used to hunt and flush birds and rabbits.
During the early 20th century, almost all purebred Shiba Inus were decimated due to wars, disease, and food shortages.
Luckily, the remaining purebreds were crossed with other Japanese dog breeds, like the San’in, Mino, and Shinshu to create what is now the modern-day Shiba Inus.
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Labrador Retriever history
The Labrador Retriever descended from the St. John’s water dogs that were bred by European settlers in the eastern Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
These water dogs were introduced in England during the 1830s by traders and were subsequently crossed with British hunting dogs to create the Labrador.
The first Labrador Retriever was black and in the succeeding years, other coat colors were introduced, like yellow and liver.
RELATED: Chihuahua Lab Mix (Complete Guide)
Shiba Inu vs Labrador
Both breeds are very intelligent and loyal, but the main difference between the Shiba Inu and the Labrador is their temperament with the Shiba Inu being less friendly to strangers than the Labrador.
The Shiba Inu can also exhibit aloofness and may sometimes appear cold or indifferent, whereas the Labrador loves to interact with people and shows greater affection towards their family.
Shiba Inu Mix with Lab physical appearance
Lab mixed with Shiba Inu will have a physical appearance that is a mixture of their two parents.
Shiba Inu Mix with Lab have a well-proportioned and muscular body. They seldom retain the fox-like quality of the Shiba Inu, but typically present with triangular-shaped eyes similar to the Japanese breed.
Ears can either be floppy or slightly erect. The muzzle is medium and slightly tapered.
Read also: Shiba Inu Poodle Mix (Poo Shi Complete Guide)
Shiba Inu Lab Mix size and height
Shiba Inu Mix Lab is a medium-sized dog that is smaller in height than a Labrador and longer in body length than the Shiba Inu.
Shiba Inu Mix with Lab will reach their full height by the time they reach one year of age and males are slightly taller than females.
Here is the Shiba Inu Lab Mix growth chart:
| Age | Male | Female |
| 3 months | 7 – 10 inches | 7 – 10 inches |
| 6 months | 10 – 15 inches | 10 – 12 inches |
| 9 months | 15 – 18 inches | 13 – 16 inches |
| 12 months | 19 – 23 inches | 16 – 20 inches |
Shiba Inu Lab Mix weight
A Lab Shiba Inu Mix’s average weight at maturity is around 30 to 50 pounds. Their weight depends largely on their athletic build and muscularity.
Below is an estimate of their weight as they mature.
| Age | Male | Female |
| 3 months | 8 – 20 pounds | 8 – 20 pounds |
| 6 months | 20 – 30 pounds | 20 – 25 pounds |
| 9 months | 30 – 40 pounds | 25 – 35 pounds |
| 12 months | 40 – 50 pounds | 35 – 45 pounds |
Shiba Inu Mixed with Lab coat colors and types
Both the Labrador and the Shiba Inu have short and dense double coats but the Labrador sports a coat that lies flat on her body, unlike the Shiba Inu. The Shiba Inu mixed with Lab’s outer coat will either be stiff and straight or flat and slightly wavy.
Labradors only come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow.
The Shiba Inu, on the other hand, comes mainly in 4 color varieties: red, black and tan, sesame, and cream.
As a result, the Shiba Inu Mixed with Lab will come in a combination of these colors with some exhibiting white markings on the face, cheeks, neck, and chest.
Shiba Inu black Lab Mix
Black Lab Shiba Inu Mix will have predominantly solid black fur.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix black coat will closely resemble his black Labrador parent physically with flat and dense hair and a more muscled appearance.
It is also more likely that the Shiba Inu and Black Lab Mix will have the same trusting and outgoing temperament as the Labrador.
Black and tan Shiba Inu Lab Mix
Black and Tan Shiba Inu Lab Mix have a tri-colored coat. There will be a black base coat with white markings on the face and neck area. Tan points are present near the eyes, nose, and legs.
Shiba Inu yellow Lab Mix
Yellow Lab Shiba Inu Mix has a light brown coat overall that can range from light orange to yellow to tan. It is not uncommon for their fur to lighten even more as they age.
Shiba Inu chocolate Lab Mix
Chocolate Lab Shiba Inu Mix has a liver or dark brown base fur. Small white points could be present on the chest, legs, and tail.
Shiba Inu golden Lab Mix
Shiba Inu Golden Lab Mix has a deeper yellow color base which is often referred to as golden. White markings could be present on the face, chest, legs, and tail.
Shiba Inu white Lab Mix
White Shiba Inu Lab Mix presents with a very light yellow color that almost appears white in direct sunlight. The hair around the ears and paws may be darker than the rest of the coat.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix with purple spot on tongue
Your Shiba Inu Lab Mix may have some dark or purple spots on their tongues. This is perfectly normal and is caused by extra pigmentation, similar to the birthmarks on humans.
Both the Shiba Inu and the Labrador Retrievers are prone to acquire dark spots on their tongues.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix personality
Shiba Inu Lab Mix traits are a balance of his two parents. Shiba Inus are known to be standoffish that do not want much attention while the Labrador is outgoing and always likes to engage with their family.
When it comes to the Shiba Inu Lab Mix, he will likely be a playful and friendly breed who would want some alone time once in a while.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix temperament
The Shiba Inu Lab Mix parents are both bred to hunt and retrieve, so expect the Shiba Lab Mix to exhibit a strong prey drive.
However, they can be trained to redirect their instinct to chase. This characteristic also makes them alert and intelligent making them motivated to perform a certain task.
Do Shiba Inu Mixed with Labrador make great family pet?
Yes, Shiba Inu mixed with Labrador do make a great family pet. Shiba Inu Mixed with Labrador generally has a friendly disposition and will get along well with children and other pets.
But, they may tend to get irritated if provoked by children, so adult supervision is always recommended.
Are Shiba Lab Mix affectionate dogs?
Labradors and Shiba Inus have different levels of affection for their family.
Shiba Inus show their affection by following their family around but staying behind a few feet away.
Labradors, contrastingly, are very cuddly and like being a lap dog that loves curling up beside you.
So, your Shiba Lab Mix’s affection may be a mix of the two.
Lab Shiba Mix training
Lab Shiba Mix shows a moderate difficulty in training. While the Labrador is easily motivated to be trained, the Shiba Inu is more independent and headstrong.
It is best to train your Lab Shiba Mix at an early age to nip their stubborn nature.
First-time dog owners may opt for a different breed if they find it challenging to train a Lab Shiba Mix.
Check out: How to Crate Train A Puppy in 6 Steps
Labrador Shiba Mix exercise requirement
Labrador Shiba Mixes needs at least an hour of exercise daily. They are a pretty active dog that likes to be outdoors. Keeping them active will keep their bones and muscles in optimum condition and lessen the probability of common health issues like obesity.
If you have a spacious backyard, it’s a good idea to let your Labrador Shiba Mix roam freely in your backyard during the day. This ensures that your Shiba Lab Mix gets some playtime in the sun as well as fresh air.
For your Lab Shiba Mix’s safety, you’ll want to make sure your backyard is fully fenced. Some towns and counties may have zoning rules and regulations that prohibit physical fences.
If you’re in this situation, you may want to install a wireless dog fence that will also keep your canine friends safe and contained within your yard.
In fact, many dog owners prefer the invisible dog fence over the physical fences since it can adapt to any type of terrain, including mountainous, hilly, and flat grassy terrains.
So if you love your scenic mountain views but don’t want to compromise on the safety of your K9 friends, the wireless dog fence is the perfect solution.
Lab and Shiba Inu Mix living conditions
The Lab and Shiba Inu Mix can adapt to any type of dwelling, be it a large home or apartment living. As long as they are exercised daily, problems with boredom and anxiety will be checked.
Allowing your Labrador Shiba Mix to roam freely in your backyard during the day is another way to keep him entertained and occupied.
If you work at the office and still want your Lab and Shiba Inu Mix to head outside to your backyard during the day, there is one simple solution:
You’ll want to invest in an electronic dog door so that you don’t have to be present to open or close the door for your pooch. What’s great about the electronic dog door is that it is programmable. This means you can program the time frame during the day when your Shiba Inu and Lab Mix can head outside and play. You can also program curfew hours so your pup can stay safe indoors at night.
Shiba Inu and Lab Mix grooming and cleaning
Shiba Inu and Lab Mix need to be brushed daily to keep their skin and coat healthy. Brushing them helps to distribute the natural oil all throughout their body. Use a slicker brush for everyday brushing and a de-shedding tool like the Furminator during heavy shedding seasons.
To keep their oral health in tip-top shape, we recommend using an enzymatic dog toothpaste to easily break down bacteria in their mouth and keep bad breath at bay.
The enzymatic formula in the doggy toothpaste also helps to break down plaque, control tartar formation, and keep your Shiba Inu Labrador Mix’s gum clean and healthy.
You’ll also want to make sure that the doggy toothpaste also has a non-foaming agent. This way the toothpaste is safe to swallow and does not require rinsing.
Next, you’ll want to bathe your Labrador Shiba Inu whenever he’s dirty or smelling. You don’t want to bathe them every day because this can strip their skin and coat of their natural oil.
When you do bathe your Lab Shiba Inu Mix, be sure to use a dog shampoo that not only cleanses but also keeps your pup’s skin and coat moisturized and healthy.
Lastly, don’t forget to trim your Lab Shiba Inu Mix’s nails before they grow too long. Long nails can affect your dog’s walking gait as well as their mood. For a more pleasant nail trimming experience, try using a dog nail grinder that features whisper-quiet motors with a precision diamond drum bit grinder.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Hair Brushing | Daily. |
| Bathing | Once to twice a week. |
| Nail Trimming | As needed. |
| Teeth Brushing | Three to four times a week. |
| Ear Cleaning | Weekly. |
Do Shiba Inu Labrador Mix shed?
Yes, the Shiba Inu Labrador Mix does shed throughout the year because of their double coats, and they shed heavily during the fall and spring seasons.
Is Labrador Shiba Inu hypoallergenic?
No, Labrador Shiba Inu are not hypoallergenic. Although they have short hair, they can shed heavily and are prone to suffering dry and flaky skin.
It’s important to note that canine allergies aren’t just triggered by their shedding fur, but also from their dander and saliva.
Shiba Inu and Labrador Mix food and diet
Depending on their size, an adult Shiba Inu and Labrador Mix require around 1 to 2 cups of dog food daily that is split into two meals. Choose a diet that is balanced with the right amounts of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
You may be interested in: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
Shiba Inu Lab Mix health issues
Did you know that you can discover the health issues your canine friends may be predisposed to through an at-home dog DNA test? By doing an at-home dog DNA test, you’d be able to learn about the diseases that she may have inherited from her parents.
It’s so easy to use. All you have to do is get a saliva sample from your pooch. The laboratory will use the saliva sample to analyze thousands of genetic markers to help determine which inheritable disease your four-legged friends may have.
Here are some health issues a Shiba Inu Lab Mix may have:
1. Hip Dysplasia
An orthopedic problem, hip dysplasia, is commonly found among big dogs such as Labrador Retriever. This condition is due to the disformity of growth in the hip socket. Signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia include limping and difficulty in going up and down the stairs.
2. Hypothyroidism
An endocrine disorder, hypothyroidism, is brought about by an imbalance in the number of thyroid hormones that are produced by the thyroid gland. Lethargy and weight gain are two of the common symptoms.
3. Patellar Luxation
A genetic disorder that is caused by an improperly aligned kneecap. Limping is one of the signs to look out for.
4. Atopy
Also referred to as inhalant allergies, this happens when the dog inhales airborne allergens causing them to suffer from localized itching. The common signs are scratching and licking of the affected areas.
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5. Epilepsy
A neurological disorder, the cause of which cannot be pinpointed yet, it is quite common among Labrador Retrievers.
Lab Shiba Inu Mix lifespan
With proper care, a Lab Shiba Inu Mix has a life expectancy of about 12 to 16 years.
Shiba Inu Mix with Lab breeder
We want to stress to you the importance of getting your Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppy from a breeder that is ethical and reputable.
By doing so, you are guaranteed the good health of the puppy unlike in pet stores where the Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies that are sold could be sick and not well-socialized.
Here are a few factors to look for when searching for a Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppy breeder:
- The breeder should invite you to interact with the Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies.
- The kennel should be clean and the pups must not be caged.
- The breeder should present the health certificates of the parents and the puppies.
- The breeder should offer buyers a puppy-warranty card.
- The puppies should be vaccinated and dewormed before releasing to the owners.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppy
Before talking to a breeder, decide whether you want a female or male puppy. The major difference between the two is that the female pup will go into her heat cycle in about 6 months, so you’ll want to prepare accordingly.
Read next: When Is A Dog Too Old To Breed?
Regardless of your choice, the Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies should be actively playing and should approach strangers with excitement. The pups should also have clear eyes, ears, and no signs of weakness.
Shiba Inu Mixed with Lab price
The cost of buying a Shiba Inu Mixed with Lab is around $1,200 to $2,000.
Places to find Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies for sale
The safest place to find a Shiba Inu Lab Mix for sale is by searching for responsible dog breeders online. A while ago, we gave you tips on how to categorize a responsible breeder from an unscrupulous one, so here’s a list of ethical Shiba Inu Lab Mix breeders:
Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies near me
Try your luck at Greenfield Puppies (greenfieldpuppies.com/labrador-mix-puppies-for-sale) to find out if there are breeders who currently have a litter of Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies for sale.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies East Coast
Canine Corral (caninecorral.com/puppies-for-sale/labrador-mix) in New York has Labrador Mix pups for sale. You can send them an email to ask if they have the mixed Labrador puppy you are looking for.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix puppies Ohio
Buckeye Puppies (buckeyepuppies.com) is another good place to find a Shiba Inu Mixed with Labrador puppies. For buyers’ convenience, they offer puppy delivery services.
Finding a healthy Shiba Inu Lab Mix for sale
Adult dogs are equally as fun-loving as puppies. Plus, they are toilet-trained and this is why some dog lovers would rather get an adult dog over a puppy.
Here are three (3) places to find healthy adult Shiba Inu Lab Mix for sale:
Shiba Inu Lab Mix for sale Ontario
Lucky Labs (chocolatelabradorretriever.ca/adult-labrador-retrievers) occasionally have adult Labrador Retrievers for sale. Since they have been in the business for more than 10 years, they may know of a breeder who has an adult Shiba Inu Lab Mix for sale.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix for sale near me
You may want to visit the website of Lancaster Puppies (lancasterpuppies.com) for a healthy adult dog that you are hoping to find.
Shiba Inu Lab Mix for sale USA
Shiba Pet World (shibapetworld.com/product/mixed-breeds-of-shiba-inu-for-sale) has mixed Shiba Inu dog breeds for sale for an average price of $1,000. Shipping the dogs is available only within the USA as well as in Canada.
Shiba Inu Mixed with Labrador: Pros and Cons
One of the pressing issues these days is the increasing number of dogs that are being abandoned or given up in rescue centers.
We encourage you to put a stop to this practice by understanding the nature of a Shiba Inu Mixed with Labrador. If you can accept not just the good sides but also the not-so-pleasant sides of this dog, then, go ahead and get one for you and your family.
However, if in doubt, it is a good idea to choose another breed that fits your lifestyle and preference.
| Pros | Cons |
| Intelligent. | Has a strong prey drive. |
| Alert. | Can be stubborn. |
| Can be affectionate. | Moderate shedder. |
| If socialized early can get along with kids and other pets. | Needs at least one hour of daily physical exercise or activities. |
| Can adapt well to an apartment or a home with a backyard to play around. | Predisposed to a number of health issues. |
| Loyal. | Tends to be territorial. |
Is the Shiba Inu Lab Mix right for me?
A Shiba Inu Lab Mix is an active dog that is happier if he is given enough physical and mental stimulation every day.
So, yes, the Lab Shiba Inu Mix is right for you if you live an active lifestyle and can spend an ample amount of time teaching him new tricks for his mental ad physical health.
Related Questions
Shiba Inu Lab Mixes are medium-sized dogs. Male Shiba Inu Lab Mixes stand between 19 to 23 inches tall by the time they reach one year of age. Female Shiba Inu Lab Mixes stand between 16 to 20 inches tall when they reach one year of age.
This means that a Shiba Inu Lab Mix is small in height than a Labrador and a bit longer in body length than a Shiba Inu.
Male Shiba Inu Lab Mixes weigh between 40 to 50 pounds by the time they reach one year of age while female Shiba Inu Lab Mixes weigh between 35 to 45 pounds by the time they reach one year of age.
A good mix for Shiba Inu is the Shiba Inu Golden Retriever Mix. A Golden Retriever is a good mix with Shiba Inu and here’s why:
It is most likely that the aloofness and stubbornness of a Shiba Inu will be tamed down if mixed with the gentle and people-pleaser nature of a Golden Retriever. That said, a Shiba Inu Retriever Mix is a smart, affectionate dog that is also fairly easy to train.
You can expect your Shiba Inu Lab Mix to live for up to 12 to 16 years.
No, Shiba Inu dogs are not fond of being cuddled. Unlike other dog breeds, they are independent and aloof, and will only be allowed to be cuddled if they are in the right mood.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20716863/
https://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/library/articles/akc-canine-health-foundation-1.html
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
